INTRODUCTION - National Trust

discuss them and research their possible side-effects. Never trust anyone who offers
you a very expensive drug and promises a cure!
Physicians who believe in, or are prepared to experiment with, the theory that autism
reflects an immune disturbance in the brain, may prescribe steroids (prednisone) or
other drugs, which suppress or try to regulate the immune functions the body.
10. What do we do now ?
Firstly, look after yourselves as parents, as individuals, as a family. Your autistic/
PDD child needs you to be fit and rested and happy. Look after your own needs -do
not be afraid to leave your child with others to get yourself a rest and some “fun”. If
you have other children, do not neglect them because of your special child.
Do not be afraid to discuss your feelings and your own health with your family
physician or paediatrician, with a social worker, religious adviser or family friend.
Second, contact parents organisations - locally, regionally, nationally. There are
organisations for autism, for mental retardation, and for almost every rare disease of
the brain. The National Trust will help you with addresses and contacts.
The author of this section is :-
A. MERVYN FOX
M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P.C., F.R.C.P.H., D.C.H.
Associate Professor, Paediatrics & Psychiatry,
University of Western Ontario